Post Doc Proposal
Post Doc Title: Risk-based Selection of Constitutive Models for Geotechnical Analysis
Post Doc description:
Soil, as a typical natural material, has very complex behaviour which is very difficult to be
accurately modelled. In geotechnical engineering, about half of the accidents are caused by
insufficient designs. The soil’s constitutive model is the fundamental issue for modelling and
analyzing soil-related engineering systems.
Many constitutive models have been proposed in the literature. Yet, very limited researches
have been conducted to examine the applicability of these models. The problem of how to select
the appropriate constitutive model for geotechnical analysis and modelling is seldom addressed.
As misuse of the constitutive model may mislead engineering decisions, lack of research on
constitutive model selection has been one of the sources for introducing risk analysis into
geotechnical analysis design.
The objective of the fundamental research program ANR RISMOGEO (Risk-based Selection
of Constitutive Models for Geotechnical Analysis) is to develop innovative theories, tools, as well
as model application examples for the selection of constitutive models. Scientific partners include
the Research Institute in Civil and Mechanical Engineering (LUNAM Université, Ecole Centrale de
Nantes, GeM, UMR CNRS) (France) and the Department of Geotechnical Engineering at Tongji
University (China).
The risk assessment can benefit greatly when the “site-specific data”, such as laboratory data
and field observed performance data are available. Within the ANR RISMOGEO a method will be
developed for updating the risk model using the site-specific data. The risk updating method,
based on Bayer’s theorem, should be able to incorporate information from multiple sources,
update both model parameters and model errors. Practical algorithms will be developed to solve
the updating problem. To facilitate practical application, software interfaced with existing
geotechnical numerical programs will be programmed. Finally, to illustrate the benefits of the
proposed research, model application examples will be worked out by applying the theories and
the software developed within the ANR RISMOGEO research program to ongoing geotechnical
projects.
A post-doctoral research associate is needed on this last part, to conduct research about
applying the developed theory to real examples. His/Her major responsibility is to work out good
illustrative examples for risk control through careful selection of constitutive models. The potential
candidate should be excellent at numerical simulation. Ideally, the candidate should also have
strong background in inverse analysis of geotechnical systems.
The candidate should have a taste for numerical programming and teamwork. Knowledge of
English is essential.
The candidate should provide a detailed CV to Post Doc Supervisors:
Prof. Pierre Yves Hicher (Tel: +33 (0) 2 40 37 16 66, E-mail: Pierre-Yves.Hicher@ec-nantes.fr);
Dr. Zhen-Yu Yin (Tel: +33 (0) 2 40 37 15 88, E-mail: zhenyu.yin@ec-nantes.fr)
Institution: Ecole Centrale de Nantes (http://www.ec-nantes.fr)
Beginning: February 2014 (negotiable); Duration: 1 year
Bibliography:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Hicher P.Y., Chang C.S. (2007). “A microstructural elastoplastic model for unsaturated
granular
materials”, Int. J. of Solids and Structures, Vol. 44, n° 7-8, pp. 2304-2323.
Li, Z.H., Huang, H.W., Xue, Y.D., Yin, J. (2009). “Risk assessment of rockfall hazards on highways.”
Georisk, 3(3), 147-154.
Li, Z.H., Huang H.W., Nadim, F., Xue, Y.D. (2010). “Quantitative risk assessment of cut-slope projects
under construction.” Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 136(12):1644-165.
Yin Z.-Y., Chang C.S., Hicher P.Y. (2010). “Micromechanical modelling for effect of inherent anisotropy
on cyclic behaviour of sand”, Int. J. of Solids and Structures, Vol. 47 n° 14-15, pp. 1933-1951.
Yin Z.-Y., Xu Q., Hicher P.Y. (2013). “A simple critical state based double-yield-surface model for clay
behavior under complex loading”, Acta Geotechnica, Vol. 8, n° 5, pp. 509-523.
Yin Z.-Y., Zhao J., Hicher P.Y.(2014). “A micromechanics-based model for sand-silt mixtures”, Int. J. of
Solids and Structures, DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsolstr.2013.12.027.